As I continue to research Herman Conrad (1867-1920), who I have dubbed "the forgotten giant of the tuba," I have tracked down a Victor recording of him playing a solo (at least that's what they called it) with Sousa's Band in 1902.

Played an F. E. Olds 4-valve BBb in high school (late '70s)Led the USC Trojan Marching Band tuba section (early '80s)Now playing an F. Schmidt (=VMI) 3301 and goofing aroundon a 1927 Pan American 64K Sousaphone Grand

Keep in mind that the recording was likely done by a subset of Sousa's Band, so there may have only been Conrad on tuba. Victor hadn't yet figured out how to properly record a large ensemble until a number of years later.

Played an F. E. Olds 4-valve BBb in high school (late '70s)Led the USC Trojan Marching Band tuba section (early '80s)Now playing an F. Schmidt (=VMI) 3301 and goofing aroundon a 1927 Pan American 64K Sousaphone Grand

Absolutely great stuff! We don't value enough these days those who have gone before and whose shoulders we stand on. Thanks for doing this kind of research for the benefit of the greater tuba community.

It's been over a year now since I posted this, and I've continued to collect information about Conrad's life and career in music. I'd love to hear if anyone else out there knows anything about him - or would like to comment on his playing in this recording. I'll be writing my article shortly!

Played an F. E. Olds 4-valve BBb in high school (late '70s)Led the USC Trojan Marching Band tuba section (early '80s)Now playing an F. Schmidt (=VMI) 3301 and goofing aroundon a 1927 Pan American 64K Sousaphone Grand

Thank you very much for your detailed research regarding Herman Conrad! I really enjoyed listening to the clip. I am a Sousa enthusiast and can highly recommend the books by Paul Bierley which you probably have already read. Please continue to unearth these gems that are so important in our understanding of the development of the sousaphone and the tuba!